YOUTUBE CHANNAL

The 6's Offence/Defence Inter-Parish Football Tournament was organized by Gwalior Dhwani Media in collaboration with ICYM Gwalior at St. Peter's Church, Dabra on 19 July 2026.The programme was held in the presence of Most Rev. Joseph Thykkattil Bishop of Gwalior (Chief Guest), Fr. Sanu Alunkal, Fr. Pius Kalathiveetil, and Fr. Chipson Joseph, who officially kicked off the tournament.

A total of 9 teams participated, including 7 boys' teams from Badarwas, Shivpuri, Dabra, Datia, Morar, Lashkar, and Morena Parishes, and 2 girls' teams representing Indergarh Parish and a combined Morena–Lashkar Parish team. Around 50–55 participants took part in the event. DEXCO members— Anju Anchal Tirkey, Agustin Joy Xess, Princymala Tigga, Ankit Minj, and Aman Minj—were also present.

The tournament witnessed exciting and competitive matches, promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, and fellowship among the youth of the Diocese. The event concluded with the prize distribution ceremony, where Most Rev. Joseph Thykkattil presented the trophies and prize money to the winning teams and encouraged the youth to grow in unity, discipline, and faith through sports.

Tournament Results

Boys' Category

1st Place: Badarwas Parish

2nd Place: Lashkar Parish

3rd Place: Morar Parish

Girls' Category

1st Place: Indergarh Parish

2nd Place: Gwalior (Morena–Lashkar Combined Team)

GWALIOR, July 13: The Diocese of Gwalior observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse with a youth-led awareness programme that used creative digital media to promote a drug-free society and encourage young people to embrace healthy, value-based lifestyles.

Organised jointly by the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) and the diocesan Media Department, the programme was held on July 12 at the Pastoral Centre, Purani Chhawni, bringing together youth, clergy, religious and pastoral leaders from across the diocese.

Bishop Joseph Thykkattil of Gwalior, the chief guest, encouraged young people to reject substance abuse and become ambassadors of hope by promoting positive values within their communities.

A major attraction of the event was a reel-making competition on the theme "Colour Your Life, Not Drugs," organised by the diocesan Media Department. Youth from parishes across the Diocese of Gwalior, along with participants from other dioceses, showcased their creativity through short videos carrying powerful messages on the dangers of drug addiction and the importance of making life-affirming choices.

The judges commended the high quality of the entries, noting that the participants effectively combined creativity with meaningful social messages, making the selection of winners a difficult task.

Leslina Johnson of Lashkar Parish won the first prize, while Nainsi Beck of Khaniyadhana Parish secured second place. Reshu Barwa of Datia Parish received the third prize.

Bishop Thykkattil presented the winners with cash prizes and certificates, while certificates of participation were awarded to all contestants in recognition of their efforts.

Among those present were Fr. Simon, Director of the Diocesan Youth Department; Fr. Joseph M.A., Director of the Pastoral Centre; Fr. Dionysious; Fr. Sanu Alunkal, Director of the Media Department; Fr. Thomas; Fr. Kapil; several women religious; and a large number of young people representing various parishes.

The programme highlighted the Church's commitment to addressing contemporary social challenges through youth engagement and responsible use of digital media. By encouraging young people to become advocates for a drug-free society, the initiative underscored the important role of Catholic youth in promoting a culture of life, hope and responsible citizenship.

By Catholic Connect Reporter